“Don’t take a chance with lightning. If you hear thunder that’s your cue to take shelter immediately. When thunder, roars, go indoors,” Monken said in the statement.

The National Weather Service reports about 50 people are killed and 1,000 are injured by lightning in the United States every year. A majority of victims were either in an open area or on or in a body of water.

Monken said taking shelter only if you can’t count to 30 between the lightning and thunder is an outdated safety rule.

If you do see someone struck by lightning, CPR should be administered immediately. Victims do not carry an electrical charge, but the surge of electricity causes cardiac arrest in most fatalities, according to the IEMA.

KNOW MOREOutdoor Lightning Safety Tips• No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you• When you hear thunder, immediately move to a safe shelter• Stay in the safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder

• If There Is No Safe Shelter Anywhere Nearby• Seek lower elevation areas• Never use a tree for shelter• Immediately get out and away from pools, lakes, and other bodies of water• Stay away from all metallic objects (fences, power lines, poles, etc.)• Do not raise umbrellas or golf clubs above you